When The Boys Are Away

Part 34

The morning of Lizzie and Jay's wedding was absolute chaos to say the least. Harlow could barely hear herself think over the sound of children stampeding around mixed with Ada's worries about her dress, Polly's stressed shouting and John's complaints about more or less everything.

That's why Harlow couldn't help but let out a sigh of contentment when she sneakily hurried Lizzie across the street to peacefully get ready at Jay's house. He'd already left to meet Tommy and the boys – probably for a pre wedding booze up, but if it meant he was out of the way neither of them minded.

"This is the most manic it's been for months." Lizzie breathed deeply, settling down on a small stool in front of the mirror for a rest. Following behind with a bag load of jewellery and makeup, Harlow couldn't help but agree with her soon to be sister in law, "Tell me about it."

After noticing the slightly stressed expression plastered on Lizzie's face, Harlow knew she needed to calm her down. "Anyway, don't worry about any of that. We've got a wedding to prepare you for..."

As the hour had slowly passed and cosmetic products had been thrown around carelessly; the two girls were finally ready. With Lizzie in her beautiful bridal gown and Harlow's cropped lacy pink dress, they were finally ready to leave.

******

Waltzing into the church with a smile on their faces, Ada and Harlow led the bride and Lizzie's grandfather - who was giving her away - around the corner. Just before the grand entrance, Ada found a moment to question her appearance for the millionth time, receiving a harsh shush from her fellow bridesmaid.

The church was absolutely dazzling, with high ceilings and sparkling stained glass – it would be difficult to find a nicer venue. Harlow couldn't help but beam with as she saw her brother stood at the altar, dressed in a formal black suit and matching shoes with Tommy as his best man by his side. It really was like a scene from a fairy tale.

Since they were little kids, Harlow and Jay would discuss their perfect futures; and Harlow was sure Jay was living his. He was about to marry the love of his life. Nothing could compare to that.

******

"You may now kiss the bride."

As Jeremiah concluded the ceremony, the family applauded like a bunch of wild animals. John whistled loudly as Ada wiped away a stray tear from her eye. The vows had been short, but sweet. And above all, perfect.

As the rowdy guests bustled outside for a photo, Harlow couldn't help but smile as Lizzie's grandparents embraced the newly married pair with open arms. Lizzie had very little family growing up, and Harlow knew it meant the world to her that her only two relatives approved of Jay. After all, he was as charming as they came; he could win anyone over with a quick conversation and a few compliments.

In all the excitement and noise, Harlow barely noticed a familiar arm drape around her shoulders as Tommy appeared beside her, "Are my duties of Best Man over yet?" He muttered jokingly, receiving a smirk from Harlow.

"You haven't even done anything yet. You best have prepared a speech." She reprimanded softly, turning back to look at the crowd of smiling faces. John's kids were running around happily, already overly hyper. It was a miracle that they hadn't wiped anyone out yet.

Tommy rolled his eyes, "What am I supposed to say? Congratulations on the wedding. By the way, thank you for letting me shag your little sister." Harlow shot him a death glare before elbowing him sharply in the ribs, simultaneously attempting to hide the smile that was threatening to grace her lips.

"You say that, and I'll shoot you."

******

Later that day, all the guests had gathered back at Tommy and Harlow's manor house where they'd received a delicious three course meal, followed by a bunch of embarrassing speeches from each of the Shelby brothers. Neither of the three wanted to be outdone, so stories dating back to when they were 10 years old were being spurted around. Nonetheless, Lizzie and Jay seemed to appreciate their efforts, and the other guests didn't seem to mind either.

It wasn't a large affair; only family and around thirty friends were gathered, but it was magical, nevertheless. After the food had been devoured and speeches were over – much to Harlow's relief – the guests moved through to the large living room and ball room, allowing people to chat amongst themselves.

Even the Wentworth's had managed to wangle their way into the party after being subdued to certain parts of the house all day on Harlow's polite requests.

After dancing with Lizzie for a while, Harlow decided she needed a breather, and exhaustedly dumped herself in the chair opposite Arthur who was sitting alone sipping his whiskey.

"Who are you eyeing up then?" Harlow questioned with an intrigued tone, following Arthur's line of sight to a group of Lizzie's friends who were dancing in the middle of the grand room. Looking across at his soon-to-be sister in law, Arthur couldn't help but scoff at her observant nature, but nodded across the room none the less.

"That redhead in the green dress." He announced boldly as Harlow studied the group carefully, immediately having her eyes drawn to the woman in question, "That's Fleur Ridings. She's a really sweet girl, but my god she is fiery."

Arthur's eyes sparked with interest, "If that's coming from you, then she must be a challenge." Harlow knew more than anything that Arthur loved a challenge, and before she could say anything more, he was already on his way over to try on his well-known charm.

As Harlow sneakily rubbed her aching feet, the chairs opposite didn't remain empty for long and Marvin and Dale Wentworth joined her with a warm smile and a glass of champagne which she accepted with gratitude.

"I can't believe we showed up the day before your brother's wedding. Perfect timing, it seems you know how to throw a party." Marvin smiled, gesturing to the happy guests in the room. Harlow smiled fondly, following his eyes, only stopping when she saw Ada sat with none other than Nick Wentworth. They seemed to be absorbed in a very interesting conversation and neither one could take their eyes off one another.

Glancing around anxiously, Harlow hoped that none of her brothers had noticed, and maybe she'd get the night off. Unfortunately, it didn't work like that in the Shelby family and Tommy had soon clocked on to the pair. However, as he looked away, Harlow caught his eye, silently telling him to leave them to it, which he did surprisingly. Weddings were magical.

"Are you enjoying it in Birmingham then?" Harlow asked thoughtfully to the two brothers sat in front of her who shrugged ambivalently. "Not really seen much of it," Marvin responded, "You've had us locked up here all day. It's almost like you're ashamed of us." He joked a hurt expression as Harlow and Dale couldn't help but laugh at his childishness.

"I'm not ashamed, I just needed one day – Jay's wedding day – where there'd be no problems. And look at us all now, ay. Everyone's getting along just fine." The brunette beamed fondly, referring to John who was drinking with Jack and Levi whilst Ada openly flirted with Nick. Dale rose an eyebrow as he lowered his drink onto the table, "Maybe you Birmingham people aren't as bad as everybody makes out."

Harlow smirked sarcastically, "That's a very strong maybe."

Before she had chance to continue the conversation, one of the staff appeared at her side and coughed, alerting of his presence, "I am very sorry to interrupt Miss Winters, but there's someone at the door."

Absentmindedly, Harlow stood up after giving a small thank you to the man, ready to follow him. Before leaving, she addressed the two men sat in front of her with a smile, "Sorry about that, I'll speak to you later, enjoy the party."

With her heels beginning to rub her feet again, she headed towards the front door, weaving her way through small groups of people on the way.

As she rounded the corner, Harlow saw one face she never expected to see again; Freddie Thorne.

Short chapter, I'm sorry. I will try to update for frequently, but I've been doing exams left, right and centre. Also, I apologise, this chapter is quite fragmented.

Thank you so much for 39.5k reads and all the lovely comments, that is incredible.